Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-06-02

the study and business of his life. His mother
replied that it was unfortunate that he had
not been born in Europe, as there was war
there nearly all the time and as there was no
prospect of his utilizing such talents in this
country. Ellsworth replied that he thought
she was mistaken, and that the political
struggle which was then going on could re-
suit IN notuIng but war. At las Tune he was
organizing his cadets, and he was first made
sergeant of Chicago company, but his ideas
of drill were so rigid that he was forced out
of the organization. He then went to f. gin,
Ills, organized a company there, and chal-
lenged his former companions in Chicago to
q competitive drill. The challenge was ac-
copied, and the Chicago company was humil-
lated by the superiority of its competitors.
Shortly after this he was elected captain of
the Chicago cadets, and he accepted the posi-
ton only on the severest conditions. He said
he wanted not only soldiers but gentlemen,
and insisted that they should be strictly
moral, obedient, ard should allow them
selves to be ruled with the iron
hand Of military discipline. If they
agreed to these terms he said he would make
them the best company in the United States.
Ii not he would have nothing to do with
them. He was unanimously chosen, and thus
ale drew up a code of regulations for them,
and in this code expulsion was the penalty OF
entering any drinking saloon while wearing
the uniform of the corps, attending public
masked balls in uniform, and the use of Ian
guage unbeconlng gentleman while in the
reading or drill room. He still kept up his
law studies, copied papers to keep soul and
body together, and lived on crackers and
water.
in military drill he was iaefati-abie, auL
he had regular schedule of time, which be
lived up to reiigi0usly. He rose at and
studied till 10, copied from 10 to ], attended
70 business from until 4, studied from to
Z, took exercise from Z to s, and studied from
) to 10. On alternate days he had drill, and
at such times he devoted from D. m. to IL D.
IN. to this
Ills company soon became noted.
at gave an exhibition on the Fourth of
July. 1859, at Chicago, and it created a per
feet furore Its fame spread rapidly. and
Ellsworth was III demand all over the country
to teach the Zouave drill to various corps
He took his troops on tour throughout the
north, and at its close he met abraham Lin
coin. The two became friends at once. Lin
coin inquired about Jiis private life, and be-
fore they separated extended him an invitation
to go to Springfield and complete his studies
in his Office.
AT this time Lincoln was presidential can
didate. Ellsworth accepted, and during the
campaign which followed lie took the stump
for Lincoln. He was one of the suite which
escorted Lincoln to the capital, and did much
toward his safety during that trip. President
Lincoln was much interested in q scheme
for the organization of the state militia
of the United States, which Ellis
worth had planned and which President
Lincoln intended should be carried out
with Ellsworth at its head. Ellsworth was
confident that war was inevitable, and he
told the president so. Lincoln smiled upon
him as a father would upon all enthusiastic
10y, and he offered him a lieutenantcy in the
regular dragons, where he might at least
drill This Ellsworth declined, with the be-
lief that he would be of more service else
where. He waited about the W\ite House
and watched for war. He had not long to
wait. Sumter was fired upon. 1t capitu-
lated, and President Lincoln called for Is, 900
men. Ellsworth decided to raise regim mt
out OF the New York fire companies. He
went to New York on Thursday, and by
Monday $500 men had volunteered TO join
his regiment. He had thus enough for two
regiments. He brought his soldiers to WASH
ingtop, and they were the first regiment of
volunteers to enter the capital"
when did you first meet him!'
Il knew him when l was bow. He lived